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Centene agrees to $215 million settlement with California for alleged Medicaid overbilling

The deal makes California at least the 17th state to settle pharmacy billing claims, including Oregon.

Feb 9, 2023

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon cities, counties say Measure 110 blew a hole in their budgets

An effort by local governments to get lawmakers to reroute tens of millions of dollars currently paying for addiction services has service providers up in arms.

Feb 9, 2023

Understaffing concerns have helped fuel nurse union rallies such as the one outside Providence Health's Oregon headquarters in Portland on January 20, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Stressed and overworked, nurses want strict hospital staffing requirements

A union representing Oregon nurses says staff-to-patient ratios will halt nurses from fleeing the profession, while hospitals worry about fewer beds for patients.

Feb 9, 2023
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Oregon lawmakers plan to put more money into housing and programs that can help people before they need treatment at the Oregon State Hospital. | COURTESY OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Lawmakers plan to provide more resources for Oregon’s beleaguered behavioral health system

National reports consistently rank Oregon as having among the highest rates of people experiencing mental health and addiction issues.

Feb 9, 2023

SHUTTERSTOCK

A technicality could keep RSV shots from kids in need

Immunizations against the respiratory syncytial virus are nearing the market, but a glitch in congressional language may make it difficult to allow children from low-income families to get it.

Feb 7, 2023

Elizabeth Fisher Smith sits with husband Matt and dogs Caspian and Gretl at the table where she spends hours every day preparing IV hydration and nutrition, on which she depends to survive. | ARTHUR ALLEN/KHN

CVS and Optum panicked thousands of their sickest patients

Home and outpatient infusions are a growing business in the United States, but the less profitable parts of the business — as well as the vulnerable patients they serve — are at serious risk.

Feb 7, 2023

From left, Cheryle A. Kennedy, Chairwoman for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Kelly Rowe, Health and Wellness Director for the Tribe; and Multnomah County Commissioner Diane Rosenbaum cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Great Circle Recovery at 3580 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland on Feb. 6, 2023. | EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT

New clinic in Portland poised to treat fentanyl addiction in youths and adults

Unlike most providers, Great Circle Recovery’s opioid treatment program will offer methadone to youths, which can better treat fentanyl withdrawal.

Feb 7, 2023
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NATALIA MERZLYAKOVA/FOTOLIA

UnitedHealthcare Tried to Deny Coverage to a Chronically Ill Patient. He Fought Back, Exposing the Insurer’s Inner Workings.

Insurers reject about 1 in 7 claims for treatment — and many people, faced with fighting insurance companies, simply give up.

Feb 7, 2023

Some state lawmakers have suggested restricting access to the intrauterine device known as IUD; many reproductive health advocates fear the overturning of Roe v. Wade would embolden those efforts. | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SUPPLIES COALITION/UNSPLASH